Manager of PACU

Overview

A high-acuity perioperative program within a Level II Trauma Center in Fort Walton Beach is seeking an experienced Manager of PACU to oversee clinical operations, staff leadership, and patient care quality across a 16-bed Post-Anesthesia Care Unit.

The PACU manages ~30 patients per day and supports a wide range of surgical specialties, including emergent and complex cases. This leader partners with the Director of Surgical Services to promote patient safety, regulatory compliance, staff engagement, and excellence in postoperative recovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 24-hour accountability for PACU operations, staffing, workflow, quality, and patient outcomes.

• Supervise charge nurses and frontline staff; deliver coaching, performance evaluations, and corrective action as required.

• Ensure evidence-based postoperative recovery care, including assessment, airway management, pain control, and hemodynamic monitoring.

• Maintain knowledge of perioperative best practices, clinical trends, and regulatory standards.

• Collaborate with anesthesia, surgeons, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated postoperative care.

• Oversee equipment readiness, supply utilization, safety procedures, and PACU-specific quality checks.

• Participate in patient rounding, address patient/family needs, and promote a positive recovery experience.

• Manage capital requests, equipment needs, and operational budgets for the unit.

• Lead initiatives to improve workflow efficiency, patient outcomes, and recovery processes.

• Ensure effective patient and family education regarding postoperative expectations and discharge readiness.

• Cultivate a culture of teamwork, communication, respect, and customer service.